How to Apply for E-Passport in Pakistan? The Ultimate Guide

If you are planning to get a new passport or renew your existing one, understanding how to apply for E-Passport in Pakistan 2026 can help you avoid unnecessary delays and mistakes. Pakistan’s Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGIP) provides electronic passports with embedded biometric chips and advanced security features.

Although e-passports have been available at passport offices across Pakistan since August 2023, the government has announced a broader transition to electronic passport issuance from October 23, 2026. This makes it important for applicants to understand the application procedure, required documents, fees and available services.

Quick Answer: To apply for an e-passport in Pakistan, prepare your valid CNIC or NICOP and supporting documents, select the appropriate passport category and visit a passport office. Officials will capture your photograph and fingerprints, verify your information and process your application. The fee depends on passport validity, pages and processing category.

What Is an E-Passport in Pakistan?

An e-passport is an official travel document containing an electronic chip that stores the holder’s personal and biometric information.

The chip helps immigration authorities verify the authenticity of the passport and the identity of its holder.

Pakistan’s e-passport system was inaugurated in March 2022, and DGIP expanded the service to all its field offices across the country on August 16, 2023.

The electronic passport includes security features that comply with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.

Main Features of a Pakistani E-Passport

• An embedded electronic chip containing personal and biometric information.
• Digital authentication to help prevent passport forgery.
• Secure identity verification at compatible immigration checkpoints.
• Additional security features designed to protect personal information.
• Five-year and ten-year validity options for eligible applicants.

An e-passport remains a physical passport booklet. The electronic chip adds security but does not replace the document itself.

Who Can Apply for an E-Passport in Pakistan?

Pakistani citizens can apply for electronic passports through the designated passport offices, subject to the usual eligibility and documentation requirements.

Applicants generally include:

• Citizens applying for their first passport.
• People renewing expired or expiring passports.
• Applicants whose passports have damaged or exhausted pages.
• Parents applying for passports for their children.
• Overseas Pakistanis applying through eligible Pakistani diplomatic missions.

Applicants do not need to wait for their existing passport to expire before requesting renewal. However, those with valid MRPs are not required to replace them solely because of the October 2026 transition.

Documents Required for E-Passport in Pakistan 2026

The required documents depend on the applicant’s age, previous passport history and application category.

Documents for Adults (18 Years and Above)

Applicants should generally bring:

1. Original valid CNIC or NICOP with a photocopy.
2. Previous passport in original and a photocopy, if previously issued.
3. Applicable passport fee payment confirmation or payment reference.
4. No Objection Certificate (NOC) for relevant government, semi-government or autonomous-body employees.
5. Any additional documents required for special circumstances.

Documents for Children Under 18

For minors, the usual requirements may include:

• NADRA Child Registration Certificate (CRC/B-Form) or other accepted child identification.
• Parents’ original CNICs or NICOPs and copies.
• Previous passport, if available.
• Supporting documents concerning guardianship or parental consent, where applicable.
• Fee payment confirmation.

Requirements can differ depending on the child’s age and family circumstances. Parents should check the current DGIP document checklist before visiting.

DGIP publishes detailed requirements for adult and minor passport applicants on its official passport requirements page.

Also read: Pakistan E-Passport Launch Date 2026: New Update

How to Apply for E-Passport in Pakistan (Step-by-step)

The application process generally involves visiting a passport office, completing biometric verification and submitting the required information.

DGIP’s published passport application procedure includes the following stages.

Step 1: Visit a Regional Passport Office (RPO), Executive Passport Office (EPO) or another authorized processing location. Bring your original documents and copies.

Step 2: At the customer service counter, staff will check your documents and guide you through the application process. Your photograph will be captured and a QR-based token issued.

Step 3: Your fingerprints will be recorded. This information helps verify your identity and supports the security of the electronic passport.

Step 4: Officials will enter your information into the passport system. Check the spelling of your name, date of birth and other details carefully.

Step 5: The application undergoes record verification and review by the authorized passport officer. Additional documents may be requested if information needs clarification.

Step 6: Follow the payment instructions provided for your application. DGIP supports QR-based payments through digital payment services, as well as its Passport Fee Asaan system.

Step 7: Keep your application token and payment confirmation. Once processing is complete, collect your passport or follow the delivery arrangements applicable to your office.

Also read: Apply for Pakistani Passport for Newborns in Saudi Arabia

Pakistan E-Passport Fees 2026: Normal and Urgent

The e-passport fee depends on the number of pages, validity period and processing category.

According to the fee schedule currently published on DGIP’s official website, the following charges apply to ordinary e-passports.

Passport Category	Normal Fee	Urgent Fee
36 pages – 5 years	Rs. 9,000	Rs. 15,000
36 pages – 10 years	Rs. 13,500	Rs. 22,500
72 pages – 5 years	Rs. 16,500	Rs. 27,000
72 pages – 10 years	Rs. 24,750	Rs. 40,500

These are the published DGIP e-passport rates checked for this article. Applicants should verify whether the October 23 transition introduces any revised charges before paying.

Important: DGIP’s published information states that Fast Track delivery is not available for e-passports. Additional service charges may apply at certain executive or NADRA-linked processing offices.

For more details, visit the official DGI&P website.

Which E-Passport Category Should You Choose?

For most occasional international travellers, a 36-page passport may be sufficient.

People who travel frequently for business, employment or family reasons may prefer a 72-page passport to reduce the risk of running out of blank pages.

Eligible adults who expect to travel regularly over a longer period may find a ten-year passport more convenient because it reduces the frequency of renewals.

Children under 15 are eligible for five-year passport validity only under DGIP’s published rules.

How to Pay E-Passport Fees Online in Pakistan

DGIP provides online payment facilities through the Passport Fee Asaan application and e-payment portal.

Applicants should use the official system and follow the payment instructions applicable to their passport office.

Payment Through Passport Fee Asaan

1. Open the official DGIP Passport Fee Asaan service.
2. Enter the required applicant details carefully.
3. Select the correct passport type, validity and processing category.
4. Generate the payment reference number (PSID).
5. Pay through an available supported banking or digital payment channel.
6. Check the payment status and retain confirmation.

DGIP’s Passport Fee Asaan instructions describe payments through banking channels, ATMs, JazzCash, Easypaisa and other supported 1LINK services.

The department also supports QR-code-based payments during passport processing, so applicants should follow the instructions for their specific application rather than paying twice.

Important: Passport fee payments are generally non-refundable. Always confirm the correct applicant information and fee category before completing payment.

Can You Apply for an E-Passport Online in Pakistan?

DGIP provides an online passport application system, but applicants should not assume that every e-passport application can be completed entirely from home.

The official online passport service supports eligible renewal applications for Pakistani citizens living in Pakistan and abroad, along with additional categories for overseas Pakistanis.

However, the department’s published online renewal guidance still refers to machine-readable passport applications. Therefore, applicants should confirm whether their specific e-passport application category is supported online after the October 2026 transition.

How the Online Passport Application System Works

For an eligible application, the general process involves:

1. Visiting the official online passport portal.
2. Creating an account or signing in.
3. Selecting the available application category.
4. Entering personal and passport information.
5. Uploading the required documents and biometric information.
6. Reviewing the application and paying the fee.
7. Submitting the application and checking updates through the registered email address.

Online applicants should use the official DGIP passport application portal and confirm the available service categories before submitting payment.

How Long Does It Take to Get an E-Passport in Pakistan?

Processing time depends on the selected service, application verification, workload and delivery location.

DGIP publishes normal and urgent processing categories for passport applications. However, the department’s commonly quoted processing times of 21 working days for normal and five working days for urgent applications are published in its MRP guidance.

These times should not automatically be treated as guaranteed e-passport delivery periods, especially during the October 2026 transition.

Applicants should confirm the latest estimated delivery time with their passport office.

If you need a passport for an urgent visa appointment or international journey, apply as early as possible and avoid making non-refundable travel arrangements based solely on an estimated delivery date.

How to Track Your E-Passport Application

After submitting your application, keep your passport token or tracking information safe.

DGIP provides passport status notifications through registered contact details and its official support channels.

Applicants can generally check their application progress by:

• Reviewing official SMS or email updates.
• Contacting the DGIP helpline.
• Contacting the passport office where the application was submitted.
• Using the applicable online application portal if the application was submitted online.

The DGIP helpline is 051-111-344-777 for callers within Pakistan.

If your passport is delayed, provide the tracking information and ask whether the application is awaiting verification, printing or delivery.

Common E-Passport Application Problems and Solutions

1. CNIC and Passport Details Do Not Match

Differences in spelling, date of birth or other personal information can create verification problems.

What to do: Check your NADRA record before applying. If corrections are required, complete the appropriate process before submitting the passport application.

2. Biometric Verification Fails

Fingerprints may sometimes be difficult to capture because of worn fingerprints, injuries or technical problems.

What to do: Inform the passport office staff and follow the official alternative verification procedure where available.

3. Passport Fee Payment Is Not Showing

Sometimes a payment may take time to appear in the relevant system.

What to do: Keep your transaction receipt, PSID and payment reference. Check the status through the official payment service and submit a complaint if necessary.

4. Passport Application Is Delayed

Applications may require additional verification or administrative processing.

What to do: Contact the issuing office with your application token and ask for the current status. Avoid submitting another application without instructions.

5. Incorrect Details After Submission

Mistakes in personal information may require correction before issuance.

What to do: Inform the relevant passport office as soon as the error is discovered. The available correction procedure may depend on the application’s processing stage.

Applying for an E-Passport for Children

Parents can apply for Pakistani passports for their children, subject to the relevant documentation and guardianship requirements.

The process generally involves presenting the child’s NADRA identification record, parental identification documents and any required supporting evidence.

The child may also need to attend the passport office for photography and other applicable procedures.

One important difference concerns validity. Under DGIP’s published policy, children below 15 years of age receive passports valid for five years rather than ten years.

Parents should check the latest minor passport requirements before visiting, particularly in cases involving separated parents, legal guardians or children travelling with one parent.

E-Passport Application for Overseas Pakistanis

Pakistanis living abroad can access passport services through designated diplomatic missions and eligible online application facilities.

The exact process depends on the country, mission and application category.

For example, an overseas Pakistani renewing an existing passport may qualify for an online service, while a first-time applicant may need to visit a Pakistani embassy or consulate.

Before applying, check:

• Whether your diplomatic mission currently issues e-passports.
• Whether an appointment is required.
• The applicable fee and payment currency.
• The documents required for your application.
• Expected processing and delivery arrangements.

With the broader transition scheduled for October 23, 2026, overseas applicants should confirm their local mission’s latest instructions rather than assuming that every embassy follows the same date.

Important Tips Before Applying for an E-Passport

A few checks can help applicants avoid delays and additional costs.

Choose the correct passport validity. Consider your age, expected travel needs and eligibility before selecting a five-year or ten-year passport.

Review your NADRA information. Your CNIC or NICOP details should match the information you intend to enter in the passport application.

Use official payment channels. Avoid unofficial websites or agents promising guaranteed approval or unusually fast delivery.

Keep copies of your documents. Carry the original identification documents along with the required photocopies.

Check the latest official fee schedule. The October 2026 transition may affect application arrangements, so confirm current information before paying.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I apply for an e-passport in Pakistan in 2026?

Visit an authorized passport office with your CNIC or NICOP and supporting documents. Complete photography, biometric verification, data entry, application review and payment according to the office’s instructions.

2. What is the fee for a five-year e-passport in Pakistan?

DGIP’s published schedule lists Rs. 9,000 for a normal 36-page, five-year e-passport and Rs. 15,000 for the urgent category. Check for any updated charges before applying.

3. What is the fee for a ten-year e-passport?

The published normal fee for a 36-page, ten-year e-passport is Rs. 13,500. The urgent fee is Rs. 22,500.

4. Can I apply for an e-passport without visiting a passport office?

Some passport services are available online, but not every e-passport application category is necessarily supported. Check the DGIP online portal to confirm eligibility.

5. Is a CNIC required for an e-passport?

Adult applicants generally need a valid CNIC or NICOP. Minors have separate identification requirements.

6. Can I renew my passport before its expiry date?

Yes. DGIP permits passport renewal before expiry, subject to the applicable application requirements.

7. Is Fast Track service available for Pakistani e-passports?

DGIP’s published e-passport information states that Fast Track delivery is not available. Normal and urgent fee categories are listed.

8. Can children get an e-passport in Pakistan?

Yes. Children can apply through the applicable passport procedure, with parental or guardian documentation and age-specific requirements.

9. Do I need an e-passport if my existing MRP is still valid?

No. Existing valid machine-readable passports can continue to be used until their expiry dates, subject to destination-country entry requirements.

10. Where can I check official e-passport information?

Visit the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports at www.dgip.gov.pk for the latest fees, requirements and application updates.

Conclusion

Understanding how to apply for E-Passport in Pakistan 2026 can make the application process easier, particularly as the country prepares for the October 23 transition to electronic passport issuance.

Applicants should begin by checking their identification documents, selecting the correct passport category and reviewing the latest official fee schedule.

The standard application process includes document verification, photography, biometric capture, application review and payment. Eligible applicants may also be able to use certain online passport services.

For the smoothest experience, we recommend checking DGIP’s latest instructions before applying, keeping all payment and tracking records, and allowing sufficient time for processing before international travel.

Also read: How to Apply for a Pakistani Passport? A Step-by-Step Guide